News p5

The Ministry of Defence police force is to be transformed into a rapid response squad ready to intervene in strikes and protests across the country under the new Armed Forces Bill. The sweeping powers of arrest and investigation contained in the Bill have raised concerns about the creation of a national force of paramilitary riot police.

News p12

The cost of childcare in Britain has rocketed, with working parents now spending an average of £6,000 a year for each child, according to a new report. It comes as latest Government figures show that an unprecedented percentage of children are now being raised by hired help - the numbers of under-fives in full-time nurseries has trebled to almost 300,000 in the past decade.

In focus p17

American politicians are not alone in toying with religion. On Friday, at St Martin in the Fields, a clutch of Christian leaders will gather to reignite the combustible mix of faith and politics in Britain.